Hockey Edmonton
Welcome to the halfway point of the hockey season.
Quikcard Minor Hockey Week for many is a highlight of the
hockey year, the competition is fierce and the outcomes
can be very surprising. A few years ago we had a team
that hadn’t won a game up to QMHW and then won the
gold. It was like a local remake of the movie the “Mighty
Ducks.” This team was featured on ESPN in the United
States. The team and parents will never forget this
journey and I’m sure we’ll see many more great stories
coming from this year’s Quikcard Minor Hockey Week.
This tournament makes a huge impact on players. For
many, they can tell you how many QMHW they’ve won
over how many city championships. It’s more than
playing some hockey games; it’s a week that highlights
our sport in the Capital region. We see more positive
stories and celebrations of the game in the media than
any other time during the year.
The number of volunteer hours that go into just the
preparations for this great week is astounding. The
work on next year’s event starts almost immediately
after the last medal is handed out. I was having a chat
with a member of the committee and when we look
at a list of members of the committee, many of them
don’t have kids playing hockey anymore and for some it’s
been a number of decades. Take for instance volunteer
Bill Ross who is hanging up his “Gone Fish’n” shingle
after this year’s tournament. He’s devoted his time
to this endeavour for 50 years. Bill, we salute you on
behalf of Hockey Edmonton and all the players who have
participated in Quikcard Minor Hockey Week.
This event isn’t a profit centre for Hockey Edmonton and
we couldn’t do this without all the volunteer time donated.
Our referees donate their expertise and without them
we couldn’t make this happen. In fact if we had to pay
for officiating we would either have to fold the tournament
or raise the cost significantly for teams to participate.
Hockey Edmonton would like to thank the sponsors for
their commitment to the tournament. These sponsors
help us keep the costs down and provide keepsakes like the
souvenir pucks. We ask that you support our sponsors.
On behalf of the executive, board and staff of Hockey
Edmonton, enjoy the week and let’s make some memories!

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Health Spending Accounts offer the flexibility to allow employees to choose health services
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Message From

The Publisher
This year marks the 54th anniversary of Edmonton
Minor Hockey Week, for which Quikcard has been the
title sponsor for the last 18 years!
This tournament has been recognized by Guinness
World Records as the largest minor hockey tournament
in the world. An event this large could not happen
without the tireless work of volunteers, which is true of
its very beginning, and just as true today. This includes
the organizers, schedule-makers, scorekeepers,
coaches, team managers, etc. who donate their time
and effort for the benefit of the kids who participate in
this tournament.
One long-time volunteer is Bill Ross, a man they call
“Mr. Central.” Mr. Ross has been an Edmonton Minor
Hockey Week volunteer for 50 years, and this year’s
event will be his last. Fifty years of being a volunteer
is an incredible achievement. For more about Bill Ross,
check out our article on page 17.
Officials also participate in Minor Hockey Week, and
they donate their time in doing so. The value of their
donated time works out to over $40,000, which is a
huge commitment, something we should remember
when we see them on the ice.
One of these officials is featured in this edition of the
magazine – Mark Grundy, who took up officiating eight
seasons ago. As Mark points out, “The games are
far more exciting than during the regular season, the
crowd and parents are far more engaged, overtime is
even more tense, and if you get the chance to officiate
a final all of this is heightened. “
This is an important reminder for all those who
participate, whether you are a player, coach or a fan
watching the game.
To the players, we extend our best wishes! Memories
of a lifetime will come to many who play hockey during
Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. As parents,
family members and friends cheer on the action, give it
your best, and above all, have fun!

WHEREAS, Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey
Week is one of the most widely attended minor
hockey tournaments in Canada;
AND WHEREAS, this annual tournament gives
young players the chance to enhance their skills, learn
good sportsmanship and play the game they love;
AND WHEREAS, amateur hockey plays an integral
role in enhancing our city’s reputation as a centre
for sporting excellence;
AND WHEREAS, now in its 54th year, Quikcard
Edmonton Minor Hockey Week brings together
more than 500 teams and 10,000 participants;
THEREFORE I, MAYOR DON IVESON, DO
HEREBY PROCLAIM JANUARY 13 - 22, 2017
“QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY
WEEK” IN EDMONTON, ALBERTA’S CAPITAL
CITY.
Dated this 18th day of November, 2016

Don Iveson
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF EDMONTON

Message from Honourable Rachel Notley
Premier of Alberta
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my
pleasure to send greetings as you commemorate
Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week 2017.
Hockey is a sport enjoyed by Albertans of all ages,
whether in competition or for fun. While offering
hours of entertainment, this week highlights the
hours of dedication on the part of all players,
coaches and parents.
Throughout this week, I know all of the players
will be skating hard for the love of the game.
They will be playing not for the name printed on
the back of their shirts, but for the crest in front,
what it stands for, and the values of teamwork,
cooperation, healthy competition and the hard
work that it represents.
Thank you to the coaches, parents and volunteers
who spend countless hours mentoring our youth
and teaching them life-changing skills, both on
and off the ice.
To all hockey players, I wish you an incredible
hockey experience!

Rachel Notley
January 13th - 22nd, 2017

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 9

Message from the

Message from the

Welcome to the 54th year of Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week!

I am very honoured to be chosen as the honourary
chairperson for Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week
this season.

MHW Chairperson
I am honoured again to be the chairperson for this year's tournament, which
has become one of the world's largest and longest running hockey
tournaments. Just think about it, this tournament is 54 years running which
works out to roughly over 400,000 hockey players, thousands of referees and
hundreds of thousand volunteers that have been involved over the years. This is
a tournament worthy of the Guinness World Record, in fact, back in 2003
QEMHW was officially recorded as the biggest hockey tournament in the world.
This tournament has developed its own culture over the years, a culture
of excitement, competition, fair play and volunteerism.
Originally designed to give young hockey players a chance to be involved in a
tournament that took them to a different part of the city to play teams outside
their immediate community zone and an opportunity to play in an indoor arena.
Back in the early ‘60s there were only three covered indoor arenas: Coronation,
George Hughes (South Side) and St. Mary's. We have come a long way in terms
of facilities and arenas but what remains constant throughout is the effort and
dedication of over 3,000 volunteers necessary to run a tournament of this
magnitude. All of the volunteers include arena managers, scorekeepers,
timekeepers, player checkers, referees and button sellers.
Speaking of volunteerism, I would like to take this opportunity to
recognize and give a huge thank you to one of our longest standing
committee members Mr. Bill Ross, aka "Mr. Central." This year will mark
Bill's 50th year with minor hockey week! Bill is a tireless volunteer who
has given countless hours of his time to help shape what this magnificent
tournament has become. Bill has announced that he will be retiring
as "Mr. Central" this year, but I'm sure he will stay involved with the
tournament in some form or fashion.
I would also like to thank this year's committee who, starting in July and
August, work very hard to ensure that the tournament is a success. The
committee includes Joan Kirillo, Sarah Madore, Rod McMahon, Terry
Brown, Jeff Seuss, Tim Rahovie, Dean Hengel, Sarah Kennedy, Chris
March, Dan Osborn, Ray Vigneu, Bill Renshaw, and "Mr. Central" Bill Ross.
A big shout out has to go to our referees of all ages who are our biggest
sponsors and who basically donate more the $45,000 worth of referee
fees per year and have been doing so for the past 53 years! Without their
generosity the cost of the event would be enormous and there would be
no games played without them. So please do not forget to thank them
for their energy and devotion that they put into the games.
A huge thanks goes out to this years corporate sponsors for their
continued support:
Quikcard Solutions Inc., Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club, Edmonton Oil
Kings Hockey Club, Elite Sportswear, McDonald’s, The Hockey Program,
Serdachny Powerskating and Hockey, STM Hockey Academy and Rob
Suggitt at Suggitt Publishing for printing and distributing the Hockey
Edmonton magazine.
Last but not least, thank you to all the participants in this year’s tournament.
On behalf of the Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Committee,
I take great pleasure in inviting you to come out and enjoy some very
exciting hockey. Good luck to all and have fun!

I have been involved with minor hockey for over 20 years.
Over the years I have been a team manager, a coach, board
member and president of three organizations.
I have met some incredible players, parents and volunteers
over the years. I have had the honour to meet and work
with a number of incredible volunteers like Vern Davis and
Russ Barnes, two gentlemen who were role models to
aspire to be like.
Minor Hockey Week, in my opinion, is the highlight event for
each team and player involved in minor hockey in Edmonton.
To many minor hockey players, receiving a gold or silver
medal and the privilege of participating in Minor Hockey
Week is comparable to playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
My thanks and respect goes out to the many volunteers,
coaches and sponsors who give freely of their time to make
Minor Hockey Week an incredible event for the players.
I would also like to thank the referees who volunteer their
time and experience during Minor Hockey Week. Refereeing
is a very difficult job that our referees do very well.
Thank you for the opportunity to be Honourary Chairman
for Minor Hockey Week.

Hockey is more than just a game.
It’s a passion.
It draws you in,
and never lets go.
Hockey is love.
Hockey is life.
Hockey lives in our hearts.
Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 11

Smooth, delicious, FREE coffee—now that’s a hat-trick.
Show your tournament admission button at any McDonald’s
restaurant in Edmonton from January 13 to 22 and receive a
small McCafé Brewed Coffee or Tea for FREE.

game. You have
to prove yourself
every shift, every
game. It’s not up
to anybody else.
You have to take
pride in yourself.
-Paul Coffey-

BILL
Photos L & R Courtesy of SC Parker Photography

ROSS

50 Years With Edmonton Minor Hockey Week
McMahon and Babiuk have been volunteering since the ‘90s
– a long time, as long as your yardstick isn’t the time put in
by Bill Ross. McMahon readily concedes that his time served
pales in comparison to those he’s looked up to, including Bill
Ross. “We always tell everyone once you join this committee,
you’re there for life,” he laughs. “I mean, Vern Davis was our
tournament founder, and he passed away just after his 50th
year – the 50th anniversary of the tournament – and he was
there from day one. And Bill, we’re now at what? Fifty-four
years, and he’s been there for 50 of them.”

makes the recent milestone of Bill Ross stand out all the
more in stark relief. Bill – “Mr. Central” as he’s become known
to those connected with Edmonton’s Minor Hockey Week –
is stepping away from that tournament, and from being a
volunteer with minor hockey, after half a century of doing it.

“Well, I enjoy it” is Bill’s remarkably simple answer as to
what’s kept him at it. “The attitude of the kids – I think it’s
still there, because they get enjoyment out of it. And I think
that was one of the main things is that as long as the kids are
having fun – and it’s too bad that somebody has to lose, but
I think it teaches them a lot to take winning and defeat. And,
I don’t know, it gives them character. I know the kids that I
coached back in the early years – they’re still all good friends.”

“I started off, way back when our little guy was about four
years old – I took him to the rink to get started playing
hockey,” Bill says. “We had a rink in our community, so I took
him over there, and the guy says, “Can you skate?” and I said,
“Oh, yeah,” and he says, “Oh, and by the way, I could use a
little help – that was 1967.”

“From his perspective, he’s always done what’s best for the
kids,” notes Babiuk. “Whoever takes over from him definitely
has some big shoes to fill. I don’t know what Bill doesn’t
know about Minor Hockey Week. But what Bill also brings
is not just his knowledge, but his personality. He’s the type
who’s just so enjoyable to work with.”

Bill Ross & Vern Davis pictured with two Hockey Edmonton Officials

Nobody does anything for 50 years anymore, which only

From there, it was coaching, and then, when Minor
Hockey Week got going, Bill Ross became a key part of the
tournament’s “nerve centre,” called Hockey Central to many,
from which he acquired his nickname. “He used to write out
stuff for every arena and put all the games on it,” chips in
Rod McMahon, who has worked alongside Bill for years, and
steps into Bill’s role for the tournament. “Like, he sat down
and spent, probably 20 to 25 hours just doing one thing and
preparing for the arenas what games are going to be there,
what divisions like atom, novice, pee wee, what the game
number is – and he used to do all these sheets by himself.
And I can’t imagine the time that’s behind it.”
“I bet everyone who talks about Bill mentions the rotary
phone he still uses,” chimes in Marvin Babiuk, another
Minor Hockey Week volunteer. “I think that’s symbolic of
Bill. He really respects the grassroots of hockey, and he’s
kept his old-school charm.”

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 17

Bill Ross with his wife Bev

...he sat down & spent, probably 20 to 25 hours
just doing one thing and preparing
for arenas what games are going to be there...

“

“

Minor hockey in Edmonton in 1967 looked a whole lot
different than it does now. For one thing, there’s a lot less
natural sunlight to it. “They’re playing indoors now,” Bill
says only a little ruefully. “It’s hard to find anybody that will
practice or have a game outside. There wasn’t such a thing as
an arena when we started back in those days. We were out
in the outdoor rinks, standing in snow up to our knees – and
freezing our butts off! So I think when I was coaching – my
guy went up to midget, I think the biggest change was they
allowed us to have one game indoors, and I think everybody
thought they’d died and gone to heaven.”
Bill feels that all the indoor ice has, of necessity, pushed the
cost of hockey past the comfort level for some people and he
wishes that it didn’t have to be that way.
Rod McMahon looks back at Bill Ross’ 50 years of dedication,
and prefers to think of it as an inspiration rather than a
standard to live up to. “A standard worries me,” he confesses
with a laugh. “I don’t think anyone can do what Bill has done.
The knowledge that he possesses when we have an issue
with arenas, Bill’s been there and he’s done that. I don’t think
there’s anything he hasn’t seen in 50 years of working with
the tournament. So he’s set the bar extremely high and I
guess we’ll just do our best to get to a level that Bill can look
back on next year and say, ‘Yeah, they’re doing OK still’.”

We’re going to
miss you Bill!

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2017 RULES

& REGULATIONS
2 TEAM REGISTRATION
2-1

1

GENERAL RULES

1-1
1-2
1-3
1-4
1-5
1-6

Every player dressed must play at least twice in every period
during regulation play, with the exception of goalkeepers.
If the team has two goalkeepers, each one must play at
least one period in each game. No warm-ups for incoming
goalkeepers. Coaches and managers failing to comply with
the above rule will be dealt with by the discipline chairperson.
The tournament arena manager is in charge of the arena
and his or her decision is final.

2-2
2-3
2-4

Scrapes and floods shall be determined between arena
manager and caretakers.
Time clocks shall start at the listed game time. Any team
not on the ice and ready to play within five (5) minutes of
the listed time may be disqualified. The arena manager
shall be the judge of this action.
If, in the arena managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion, a uniform change is
required, the home team shall make the change. Note:
It would be advisable that the team managers confer
before the game to ensure that no game time will be lost
during the necessary sweater change.
All EMHA rules and regulations are in effect during Minor
Hockey Week. They count as regular league games for
the purpose of determining the number of games a
player/coach/manager or trainer will sit out. Suspensions
incurred in Minor Hockey Week will carry over into league
play if not fully served in Minor Hockey Week.

2-5
2-6
3
3-1

Rule Example:
Rule 41-K, Page 74, Canadian Hockey Association Official Rule
Book. If for whatever reason, the ref or linesman appointed are
prevented from appearing, the managers or coaches of the two
(2) competing clubs shall agree on a referee and one (1) or two
(2) linesmen. If you are unable to agree, they shall appoint a
player from each team who shall act as officials.

1-7

In case of dispute, the decision of the Minor Hockey Week
chairperson or his/her designate is final. THERE ARE NO
APPEALS DURING MINOR HOCKEY WEEK.

20 | Hockey Edmonton Magazine

3-2
3-3

Coaches must present their team registration to the arena
manager at all games and all players registered on the team
registration and not dressed shall be noted on the game
sheet, with an explanation of why they are not dressed.
If a team arrives at the arena without the ORIGINAL team
registration, the arena manager must call central for
verification. The ORIGINAL team registration must be
produced prior to the end of regulation time of said game
or said team coach will be subject to disciplinary action.

NO AFFILIATED PLAYERS ALLOWED, exception being
GOALIES, due to medical problems, which have been
submitted and approved by the city registrar.

Players names must be legibly printed (or have a sticker
affixed) to the game sheet by the designated team official.
Players are NOT required to sign the game sheet during
Minor Hockey Week.

The coach, manager and/or trainer will print their names (or
have their name on a sticker affixed to) on the game sheet.

In the event a team does not show for their game, the coach
and manager will be subject to disciplinary action unless there
are extenuating circumstances. The other team will be given
the choice of a win or loss.

REGULATION TIME
Duration of games will be posted on draw sheets at each
arena. The arena manager will be responsible to advise game
officials of game duration. Games will be straight time. Stop
time in the last two (2) minutes unless there is a goal spread of
five (5) goals or more then it will be straight time.
FINALS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; last five (5) minutes will be STOP TIME unless there is
a five (5) goal spread or more, then it will be straight time.
The referees may assess a two (2) minute bench minor
penalty for delay of game; if they feel the coaching staff is
using up time by deliberately slowing down the line changes.
This rule applies to both straight and stop time. The clock will
not stop for any reason (injury or otherwise) once the opening
faceoff has taken place (exception being rules 3.1 & 3.2).

3-4
3-5
3-6

All minor penalties are two (2) minutes of straight time.
Any portion of a penalty not served during straight time
will be completed as a stop time penalty.
In case of a tie at the end of regulation play, overtime will
be played. Play will continue until the first goal is scored,
which will terminate the game, and the team scoring the
goal will be the winner.
No timeouts may be called by a coach or player during
regulation time.

4

OVERTIME

4-1

OVERTIME SHALL BE STOP TIME.

4-2
4-3

4-4

(6) minute period has expired. If still tied at the end of the six
(6) minute period, ten (10) minute periods will be played with
two (2) players (one may be a goaltender) until a winner is
determined. To commence play in the ten (10) minute period,
the face-off will be held at the center ice spot.

4-5

No timeouts may be called by a coach or player in overtime.

5

PENALTIES

5-1

Overtime is played to sudden victory. Teams may remove
goalkeepers at any time. Teams may change â&#x20AC;&#x153;on the flyâ&#x20AC;?
at any time. To commence overtime, each team will place
six (6) players (one may be a goaltender) on the ice. The
teams will not change ends for the overtime period and
the time clock will be set for one (1) minute.
Overtime will be played in one (1) minute increments. At the
end of one (1) minute, the horn will sound and each team
will remove one (1) player from the ice. Play will be resumed
immediately at the nearest face-off spot to the place where
play ended. The timekeeper will stop the clock and sound the
horn after each minute until the teams are reduced to two (2)
players (one may be a goaltender) on the ice.
Once each team has been reduced to two (2) players, the
clock will be set to six (6) minutes. To commence play, the
face-off will be held at the center ice spot. There will be no
further reductions to the number of players and the one
minute periods will end. Time will continue until the six

5-2
5-3

All minor penalties are two (2) minutes of straight time
starting at the drop of the puck.
Penalties incurred in regulation time and not completely
served in regulation time, shall carry over into the overtime
period (as a stop time penalty) and will be completed in
overtime unless the game is ended.
Time penalties incurred and unexpired which may leave
a team short or shorthanded during the overtime when
teams are reduced to two (2) players will result in a penalty
shot(s) to the non-offending team for each unexpired
time penalty. If due to penalties, a team is reduced to
two (2) players and another time penalty is incurred, the
offending team will serve the most recent penalty and a
penalty shot(s) will be awarded to the non-offending team
for each unexpired time penalty. At no time will a team
be required to have less than two (2) players on the ice.
Should each team have an unexpired time penalty when
teams are reduced to two (2) players, a penalty shot will
be awarded each team. The team with the least time to
serve will shoot first (if this cannot be determined, then
the home team will shoot first). Each team must shoot. If
the teams are still tied, overtime will continue. If multiple
time penalties remain, a penalty shot will be awarded for
each unexpired time penalty until all penalty shots have been
taken. All time penalties incurred with two (2) players on
the ice shall result in the awarding of penalty shots in lieu of
penalty times.

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best under-18 hockey players right here in Edmonton as the Ivan
Hlinka Memorial Cup is coming to the city in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Working in collaboration with the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG),
Hockey Canada struck a deal with the Czech Ice Hockey Association
and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation to bring the Hlinka to Canada.
The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is traditionally held in August and
Hockey Canada expects the regional economic impact of hosting
in Edmonton could top $5 million based on the results from
hosting similar events of this size and scope. A huge proponent
for minor hockey, proceeds from the event will be re-invested
into grassroots hockey to support our great game in Alberta.
Owned and produced by the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the
Slovak Ice Hockey Federation, the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup was
first introduced in 1991. The tournament honours its namesake
and national team and National Hockey League player and coach,
Ivan Hlinka – considered one of the most important figures in
Czech hockey history. The annual summer tournament brings
together eight of the top hockey nations in the world to compete
in a best-on-best, men’s under-18 competition.
“We are thrilled to partner with Hockey Canada, the Czech
Ice Hockey Association, the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation and
our local partners to bring the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup to
Edmonton and to our spectacular, new venue Rogers Place, in
the heart of ICE District,” said OEG CEO & vice-chairman Bob
Nicholson. “We are excited to work with Hockey Edmonton
and Hockey Alberta to ensure grassroots hockey players and
organizations across the province feel like they are a part of the

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 23

“The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is a significant event on our
calendar for many reasons, the first of which is that it honours
a great player and coach who was taken from us far too
soon,” said Tom Renney, president and CEO of Hockey Canada.
“The event itself is uniquely positioned on the calendar to
truly allow for all of the participating nations – and for the
hundreds of NHL scouts who are attracted to the event – to
take part in a best-on-best competition with the top under-18
players from around the world.
“This is a significant event for Hockey Canada in terms of
our players’ progression through the Program of Excellence,
and the identification of Canada’s National Junior Team
prospects. But just as importantly, the opportunity to
host this world-class event on Canadian soil speaks to our
relationship with our counterparts in the Czech Republic
and Slovakia, as well as the reputation our country has built
for successfully hosting international hockey events. This
is a great responsibility, and not one we take lightly – and
we’re grateful for the support of the City of Edmonton,
the Province of Alberta and Oilers Entertainment Group in
bringing the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup to Canadian ice.”
Before the puck drops in 2018, Edmontonians can
celebrate the opportunity to witness rising stars right
in our own backyard as the tournament boasts a long
history of high-calibre athletes.
Current and notable NHL players who played in the
tournament from 2007 to 2016 include Jordan Eberle
(Edmonton Oilers), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton Oilers),
Darnell Nurse (Edmonton Oilers), Aaron Ekblad (Florida

24 | Hockey Edmonton Magazine

“

The best under-18 players will be
hitting the ice showcasing their skills
and talent for the world to see. This
prestigious event will draw tourists from
around the world, and will be a great
boost to our economy. This is an exciting
day for our city, province, and country.
Panthers), Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis Blues), Tyler Seguin
(Dallas Stars) and Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning).

“

Hlinka festivities. This could be everything from training
sessions for young players to coaching clinics and partnerships
between Canadian coaches and their counterparts in
Europe to a festival atmosphere outside of Rogers Place
in ICE District. We want the action off the ice to match the
excitement on the ice.”

Hockey Canada, whose National Men’s Summer Under-18
Team has won the annual event 20 times and captured
two silver medals and one bronze since 1991, has struck an
agreement with the Czech Ice Hockey Association and the
Slovak Ice Hockey Federation to host the tournament on
Canadian ice on a bi-annual basis, beginning in 2018.
An exciting experience for the community, fans and
players alike, Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse
understands just how captivating a tournament like this
is having played in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in 2012
where he captured the gold medal alongside Team Canada.
“Participating in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup was an
amazing experience for me and my teammates as we
developed as young hockey players. Bringing the tournament
to Canada and to Rogers Place and ICE District will be a great
experience for players, coaches, families, and fans,” he said.

780-468-3161
With proceeds benefiting grassroots hockey, this
tournament will provide a lasting positive impact on Hockey
Edmonton and Hockey Alberta.

[ 6142 - 50th Street ]

“Canada is the home of hockey, and I’m thrilled that
the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, as we know it today, will
be played in our country for the first time right here in
Edmonton,” said Ricardo Miranda, minister of culture and
tourism, responsible for sport.
“The best under-18 players will be hitting the ice
showcasing their skills and talent for the world to see. This
prestigious event will draw tourists from around the world,
and will be a great boost to our economy. This is an exciting
day for our city, province, and country.”

www.LaunchPadTrampoline.com

“Edmonton has become an internationally-renowned sports
city and centre of excellence. We’re proud to build on this
reputation as we host the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup,” said
Mayor Don Iveson. “With enthusiastic fans, a state-of-theart arena and a passion for hockey, Edmonton welcomes the
opportunity to showcase our city to the world.”
The new home of the Edmonton Oilers, Rogers Place, will
host the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup during its first three
years on Canadian ice. The state-of-the-art facility was
officially opened on September 8, 2016, and features 1.1
million-square-feet of seating and amenities that blend the
history of the NHL franchise within its modern design.
Looking ahead to August 2018, minor hockey players and
their families have plenty to look forward to as Edmonton
welcomes the first Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup at Rogers Place.

friday and saTurday nights

starting at 8pm

Details on event dates and tickets will
be announced at a later date. For more
information on the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup,
visit HockeyCanada.ca or RogersPlace.com

Family Run
Business
Offers
High Quality Products and
Service, Competitive
Prices, and Dedication to
the Community
Shopping in a big box store has become the norm
in today’s society. The economy has prompted
shoppers to search for the biggest bargain often
times choosing sales over service and quantity
over quality. Here in Edmonton, buyers are gifted
with a retailer that doesn’t force them to sacrifice
anything. Klondike Cycle is a family run store
that offers the best of all worlds – sales,
service, quality and quantity.
Klondike Sporting Goods was opened by Dave
Lillycrop Sr. in 1974, and in the 42 years since
its inception, has been influenced by four
generations. Klondike quickly developed into
the neighbourhood shop that was known and
frequented by every hockey player and bicycle
enthusiast within the West End. When son Dave Jr.
took over in 1994, the store was renamed Klondike
Cycle and Sports. Dave Jr. made certain that the
reputation the store held in the community was
not lost in the transfer of ownership. He worked
with his utmost dedication to ensure the store
succeeded while providing the highest quality of
service to its clientele.

When his eldest daughter Cherie Malone came
on board part time in 1995, she began learning
the different aspects of the business – hockey,
bikes, team sales and the names of the regulars
that came to Klondike. In 2013, Go Auto
purchased Klondike Cycle and Sports from Dave
Jr. Cherie’s passion and dedication to Klondike
allowed her to become the general manager of
the company that her grandfather and father
worked so hard to build.
Klondike Cycle, as it is now known, has gone
through many transitions and a new location
but the important aspects of the company have
remained constant – high quality products and
service, competitive prices, and dedication to the
community. Today Klondike Cycle offers more
products than ever. While continuing to specialize
in hockey and bikes, this family-run retailer also
boasts ringette equipment, scooters and teamrelated sales. Come down to Klondike Cycle’s new
building at 10041-170th Street, where Cherie,
Dave Jr., and occasionally the fourth generation,
Cherie’s son Brodie, are ready to help you with all
of your hockey and bike needs.

hockey players at the grass roots level a hockey stick that
works best for them for playing the game they love. Sean
Reily, Dan Pilling and Guillermo Salazar are responsible for
this revolutionary new phenomenon.
The story behind Raven Hockey began when Reily tried to
buy a new junior stick to replace son Jack’s youth hockey
stick. They soon realized it wasn’t working well for Jack.
Even though Reily cut eight to nine inches off of the new
stick, Jack still struggled in passing and shooting the puck.
Reily then went to another sports store and spoke to a
salesperson. He thought he had bought Jack the wrong hockey
stick and asked what type of hockey stick he should have
bought. The salesperson said it was important to take flex into
account when buying a stick, and that a flex rating needs to be
less than half of a person’s body weight. He told Reily that
he weighs 180 pounds and uses a stick with a flex rating of 85.
Reily told the salesperson that his son weighed 40 pounds
and asked to see their junior hockey sticks with a flex rating
of 20. He was then told the store had no junior hockey sticks
with a flex rating of 20, and the lowest they had was a flex
rating of 50. While there were youth hockey sticks with a
flex rating of 30, Jack had outgrown those.
The other problem Reily faced was that by cutting eight to
nine inches off the stick, it increased the flex rating to 85
(from the original 50) and increased the stick’s stiffness. Reily
soon found out that the 85 flex rating was the same that
Washington Capitals’ superstar Alexander Ovechkin had.
Reily then realized he might be on to something. Not having
a strong hockey background himself, he contacted two
parents on his son’s novice hockey team. Pilling played
hockey with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League
and the Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League. Salazar
was an analytics consultant, who had connections to the
biomechanical research department at the University of
Calgary, which does research for Adidas and Nike.
Pilling and Salazar were immediately interested.

32 | Hockey Edmonton Magazine

“I thought it was great,” said Pilling. “I agreed all along that
junior hockey sticks did not fit kids. They were far too stiff.
We have blurred the lines between youth and junior sticks
and in the top end between junior and intermediate hockey
sticks. We try to make sure all kids from age six to 13 have a
hockey stick that actually fits.”
“It made perfect, logical sense,” said Salazar. “I play a lot of
golf, and in that sport flex is very important.”
Reily applied and received a $15,000 technology grant from
the Government of Alberta to test various prototypes of
hockey sticks at the University of Calgary. A group of minor
hockey players in Calgary aged six to eight were then fitted
with sensors and electrodes, and had their swing speed and
pressure measured. The muscle tissue in the forearms of
the players was also evaluated.
The initial prototypes did not work out because the sticks
were so flexible they would bend too easily. They could work
as a shooting tool, but not necessarily in a hockey game.
“We came to the realization that in order to have a lower
flex stick, we needed to build it smaller,” said Pilling.
Once Reily, Pilling and Salazar developed a stick that they
believed had the proper flex, they established a partnership

with a Mexican-based manufacturer that was willing to
create the type of hockey stick the Calgary dads were
looking for.
The flex was not the only feature, however, that the dads
recognized as important with their newly designed stick. They
also realized that the blade size and the shaft were significant.
“The Ravens stick is a shorter stick with a lighter flex but a
full size junior blade,” said Reily. “That is what Dan brought to
the table early in the prototyping—that we stop prototyping
youth blades and we start prototyping junior blades right
away. This is something that made a big difference.”
The shaft was also critical. As kids wear gloves, it was easier
for them to use a stick with a larger shaft than a smaller shaft.
“The bigger shaft allows them to twist the stick more
effectively and torque the puck,” said Pilling.
The sticks come in four different sizes and are
differentiated by a colour-coded system. Flex20 (green)
has a height of 47 inches for players less than 50 pounds.
Flex30 (orange) has a height of 52 inches for players less
than 80 pounds. Flex40 (red), has a height of 56 inches for
players less than 100 pounds. Flex50 (yellow), has a height
of 60 inches for players less than 120 pounds.
Reily also stresses the importance of feel, confidence and
performance; three intangible qualities that are critical for
minor hockey players when shooting the puck.
“What builds the confidence is the flex,” said Reily. “When
players shoot the puck top shelf, everything changes.”
When discussing the durability factor, Reily stresses the
importance of performance, and compares hockey sticks
to race cars.
“Race cars are built for speed. Durability is one of the last
features that they think about. Our sticks are built for
performance. Durability is important, and is built into our
sticks, but performance is absolutely first,” he said.

In the fall of 2016, Raven Hockey received a significant financial
boost as an organization. They were featured on Dragon’s Den and
got economic support from Michael Wekerle of Toronto.
“It was incredible,” Salazar said. “It wasn’t just the deal. It was
the endorsement of the idea, the marketing of our product,
and the great exposure. We had Jim Treliving (father of Calgary
Flames’ general manager Brad Treliving) endorse the concept and
recognize that our sticks were important for hockey.”
“Stores have been coming to us for over a year now,” said Pilling.
“Now that we’ve been on national television, it will be exciting to
see where we will go next.”
“It (our Dragon’s Den appearance) forced us to be more serious with
the company,” said Reily. “It was our launching point and we knew
our competitors were coming after us. It took us to the next level.”
To date Raven Hockey has sold over 25,000 sticks and can
be found in 125 stores, including 16 stores in Alberta. They
include Adrenalin Source for Sports, B&P Cycle and Professional
Skate Service, in Calgary; Klondike Cycle and United Cycle in
Edmonton; Evolution Sporting Goods in Leduc; Classic Source for
Sports in Okotoks; Sin Bin Sports in Sherwood Park; and St. Albert
Source for Sports.

RAVEN STICKS RANGE FROM
$115 to $160.
For more information, visit

www.ravenhockey.com

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 33

:
l
a
u
Hockey
n
n
A
t
Firs

6
1
20

This was the first year of the Timbits Fall Festival, and it was a
great success. The event took place at the Terwillegar Community
Recreation Centre on Saturday December 10th. 192 teams
participated, and donations to the Edmonton Food Bank totalled 570
pounds of food, and $458.00 in cash donations.

34 | Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Edmonton

Fall Festival
Photos Courtesy of Avonlea Photography

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 35

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Each season hockey players are becoming bigger, stronger, and faster. The best hockey
players are characteristically the most skilled and the strongest and fastest skaters.
Poor skating ability prevents hockey players from performing, and ultimately enjoying
the game of hockey to their optimal ability.
PASSING

Skating & Fundamental
Technical Skills > > > > > > > >
There are four fundamental technical hockey skills that each
hockey player must possess and continue to develop and
refine throughout their entire hockey playing career: skating,
puck-handling, shooting, and passing. If athletes do not
possess these fundamental technical hockey skills, more
complicated skills, tactics, and systems become significantly
more difficult to perform, and ultimately prevent athletes
from optimally enjoying the brilliant game of hockey.
Bantam / Midget

STRATEGY
ion
ss
re
og

ion

ss

re

og

TEAM PLAY
SYSTEMS

Pr

Pr

HANDLING

Neglecting skating, or over-developing other skills to mask
deficiencies in skating, will eventually catch up to hockey
players at some point in their development.

TEAM TACTICS
INDIVIDUAL TACTICS
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Progression

FOUNDATIONAL SKATING SKILLS
Of these four fundamental technical skills, skating is the
skill with foundational properties. Each of the other three
skills are built from a strong skating base. If hockey players
cannot skate well, they will not be able to handle the puck,
shoot, or pass to their optimal ability. Weight transfer, weight
distribution, stance, gliding, the use of inside and outside
edges, are all skating skills which are compulsory to perform
puck-handling, shooting, and passing skills.

2. Constantly refine skating skills:
Like any skills humans possess, hockey players must
continuously perform and refine skating skills at all divisions
and categories of play to keep skills precise and robust.
3. Incorporate skating skill development into every practice:
The importance of skating is evident. No matter what concepts,
tactics, or systems a coach plans to work on during that
practice, skating will be involved. Start the practice with refining
the appropriate and relative skating skills that are required to
execute the concepts in the rest of the practice plan.
4. Ensure that there is game application
It is important to develop and refine individual skating skill
technique, however it is even more valuable to practice those
skills in game situational drills.

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To put the â&#x20AC;&#x153;foundational skating theoryâ&#x20AC;? into perspective,
hockey players can relate it to other life skills humans develop.
If humans cannot count, they most likely will not develop the
ability to manage data, do calculus, or algebra. If humans do not
know the alphabet, they most likely will not develop the ability
to read and write. To perform the most complicated tasks and
movements, humans must possess a strong foundation to build
from and develop skills in a sequential pattern.

1. Learn to skate before registering for hockey programming:
Rushing children into hockey programming at an early age is not
necessary and will hinder their overall development rather than
improve it. Learning the basics of skating and building a strong
skating foundation, before learning other hockey skills, is ideal.

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Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 37

To get players to buy into skill development, they must
understand how it applies to a game situation and why they
are developing that skill.

How can coaches teach skating skills in a
progressive manner?
Coaches do not need to be skating experts to incorporate
skating skills into every practice. However, coaches should
possess the ability to “break-down” skills such as striding,
starting and stopping, crossovers, etc. and teach them in a
progressive manner. Here is a simple six stage progression to
effectively teach skating. The progression is sequential and
each stage must be accomplished to optimally develop skating
skills for game situations:
1. Technique

SKATING STANCE
Bend at the ankles, knees, and hips – drop the butt as if sitting
in a chair. Keep the chest upright, head up, and arms in ready
position. Maintain proper stance for optimal balance, weight
distribution, and weight transfer in pushes. Concentrate more
weight on the ball of the foot, rather than on the heels. Ensure
that feet are underneath the body, hip width apart, and are on
the flats of the blade – not on inside or outside edges.

EXTEND FULLY IN EVERY PUSH
Activate all leg muscles in the pushing phase of striding or
crossing over. Finish each push with the “toe-flick” to add more
power and length. Pushes should be occurring to the side of the
body, rather than straight backwards. The larger the push, the
more speed generated, and the increase in efficiency.

2. Technique under Stress/Resistance
3. Technique with Speed
4. Technique under Stress/Resistance with Speed
5. Technique under Stress with Speed with Pucks
6. Chaos! Game situational skating, with no pattern or
predetermined route/routine

What key skating concepts should coaches
and players consistently refer to?
Whether hockey players are striding forwards or backwards,
crossing-over, turning, or in transition, hockey players and
coaches should constantly refer to the following concepts when
performing any skating exercise:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Push through the balls of your feet and fully
extend the leg. Push to the side rather than
to the back.

RECOVER FULLY AFTER EVERY PUSH
Bring the skates back under the body to maintain balance, generate power,
and ultimately prepare the legs to push again. Return the pushing foot
back under the body in a rapid straight line route, as close to the ice as
possible, without kicking up the heels.

CONTROL YOUR UPPER BODY
The upper body must be relaxed yet controlled - working with
the lower body, not against it. Keep the head up, shoulders
square to the ice, and ensure that the stick is always controlled
and on the ice leading the body. A stick that is not controlled
has adverse affects on posture, stance, pushes, gliding, etc.

GLIDE
Ensure that the glide is occurring on the flats of the blades during
striding, and on the appropriate edges during turns and crossovers.
The glide holds all the power that was generated during the
push. If the glide is short or inefficient (on the wrong edge), the
power from the push will not be echoed. The longer the glide,
the more speed generated, and the increase in efficiency.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 39

TRUST YOUR EDGES
The more confidence and trust that hockey players have
in their inside and outside edges, the more efficiently they
will glide or push. When skating, hockey players are either
pushing or gliding - ensure that the appropriate edge is
being utilized with confidence, to increase the length of
the stride and the smoothness of the glide. When turning,
or transitioning, a strong confidence in edges allows for
less opportunity to lose generated speed.

As todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hockey players are becoming bigger,
stronger, and faster, improving skating technique,
efficiency, and ultimately speed is increasingly
important. Skating well provides the opportunity
for elite athletes to excel and recreational
athletes to truly feel comfortable and enjoy the
game of hockey.

WOMEN'S HOCKEY
On Sunday, December 4, 2016, female
athletes from Edmonton had the
opportunity to participate in a unique,
female only, hockey skill development event
under leadership from Hockey Canada
coaches, Hockey Alberta coaches, and
Edmonton’s intercollegiate coaches and
student-athletes.

By Joel Lenius
Photos provided by Hockey Edmonton

Hockey has been one of the most
important Canadian socio-cultural
learning experiences for boys and men
for many years. These same benefits
should be afforded to women. This female
development opportunity was not only an
opportunity for females to develop their
hockey skills and to develop relationships
with high-performance coaches and
athletes, it was also an opportunity for
females to develop more friendships,
confidence, and self-esteem – all through
the sport of hockey.
This event consisted of four different sessions
(novice, atom, peewee, and bantam/midget),
run at Kinsmen Arena in Edmonton.
Approximately 80 female athletes
participated in the event, where they received
one hour of ice time and elite instruction, an
official Hockey Edmonton practice jersey, as
well as snacks and refreshments.
The one hour session consisted of a
technical warmup skate, followed by skill
development stations addressing skills and
tactics such as acceleration, quick-feet,

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tight turns, crossovers, escapes, shooting in stride,
driving the net, puck retrievals off the boards, puckhandling in tight spaces, etc.
The goal of the sessions was to provide high-intensity
and multiple repetitions of drills built from skating,
puck-handling, shooting, and passing; fundamental
technical skills.
Two randomly selected partcipants from each session
received official Edmonton Oilers signed pucks and
Edmonton Oil Kings tickets, which were graciously
donated by the Edmonton Oilers. A special thank you
to the Edmonton Oilers for giving back to the female
minor hockey community, and providing the gifts to
make this a special event.
A special thank you also goes out to the three womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
intercollegiate organizations that participated in the
event: the University of Alberta Pandas, the MacEwan
Griffins, and the NAIT Ooks. Each team provided
coaches and student-athletes to instruct the sessions
and run the skill rotation stations. It was an amazing
opportunity for these intercollegiate coaches and
student-athletes to engage with the female minor
hockey community, and it was also an amazing
experience for the female minor hockey community to
learn from these talented coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student athletes.
Hockey Edmonton would like to thank all participants
that attended this special event. Please view the Hockey
Edmonton website for future skill development sessions.
Best of luck to all Hockey Edmonton athletes in the
second half of your seasons!

What is Sledge Hockey?

SLEDGES IN SCHOOLS

Sledge Hockey is an
innovative team sport
similar to stand up
hockey, with players
sitting on a sled, using
their arms to propel.

is PERFECT for All
Ages and Abilities!
Why MW HOCKEY?
INITIATION PROGRAM Recognized
As One of the Best by
Hockey Alberta

Do You Want to Try It?

Dedicated Player Skating
Development Programs

Sledges in Schools offers the opportunity
to learn about sledge hockey. The program

allows individuals with disabilities to
participate in school skating activities and
a sledge hockey demo introduces this fun,
inclusive sport to the entire class or team!

Equipment and demo included.

Anyone can play!
Single sled or class
rentals available

Boys & Girls

Dedicated Goaltender
Development Programs
Coach Development Programs

Aged 4 - 12 Years Old!
MW Hockey services the
Hockey communities
South of Whitemud Drive,
east of Gateway Blvd.
and North of 41 Ave SW

Use them for one class, or
keep them for the week
Know of someone who would benefit
from the use of a sled or a group
that would like to try sledge hockey?
Contact us for more info!

sports@parasports.net

780-439-8687

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MW Hockey is a proud member of the South East Edmonton Recreation Association

CHOSEN
By Rob Suggitt
The National Hockey League has
33 full-time referees and 33 fulltime linesmen during the regular
season, each official working 73
games in the NHL regular season.
Only the highest rated officials are
chosen to work the NHL playoffs,
and the very best are selected to
work the Stanley Cup Finals:

Former NHL referee Stephen
Walkom is the Senior Vice President
and Director of Officiating for the
NHL. As part of his duties, Walkom
administers performance evaluations
for all NHL officials to determine
which officials are assigned for post
regular season games.

Former NHL referee Kerry Fraser
describes the process best.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Data is submitted through
a computer generated game
supervision report that is compiled
by Walkom and his supervisory
staff every time they attend a game
and observe a crew of officials.
These off-ice officials travel around
the League and similarly observe all
the officials on staff.
The evaluation form or supervisor
report deals in part with an
official's skating ability, positioning
and a "catch-all" category called
comportment.Â Comportment
includes how an official
communicates and interacts with
the game participants (players,
coaches, fellow officials) and
reacts to situations that are
presented throughout a game.
Comments will be included
relative to the standard of
enforcement employed by
the official including any calls
perceived to have been made in
error or missed as well as areas of
concern or recommendations for
improvement.

Hockey Operations monitors every game
that is played during the regular season
and playoffs from the "situation room"
in Toronto. League personnel that staff
this room will record and clip questionable
calls that they view or situations that are
commented upon by play-by-play and game
analysts for Stephen Walkom to review.
Aside from officiating complaints
received by Hockey Ops and/or the
Director of Officiating via telephone
communication during or after games,
team General Managers can also submit
a written request for review of a call or an
official's performance. When this occurs
Stephen Walkom is obliged to investigate
the claim and respond back to the team
with his findings.
This adds up to a full season of scrutiny that
the official's performances are subjected
to. As with any rating system there is some
subjectivity that is imposed by the people
that review the performance and input
the data. Office politics applies in every
corporation, organization and job on the
face of the earth and the NHL evaluation
process for their officials is no different.
Any and all material gathered from
the above listed sources can't help but
influence the perception held by Officiating
Managers to some degree as they conduct
their evaluation process. A comprehensive
package of information including
discussions amongst the supervisors and
evaluation meetings scheduled by Stephen
Walkom are utilized to determine each
individual official's ranking.”

Check out the spring
edition of the Hockey
Edmonton Magazine for
our feature interview
with NHL’s top referee,
Wes McCauley!

That’s a lot of scrutiny, and if you include
18,000 screaming fans, it takes a special
breed to be an NHL official. You definitely
have to have thick skin.

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
If your child won a gold medal at
the 2017 Quikcard Edmonton Minor
Hockey Week, we want to hear from
you! Please complete the following
questionnaire and send it in by
February 15th, 2017, and
your child could be featured
in the 2017 yearbook edition of
the Official Hockey Edmonton
Magazine! Send in completed entries,
along with a photo (preferably in a
hockey uniform) to:
publisher@hockeymagazine.net
Or you can mail in submissions to:
Hockey Edmonton Magazine
10177 - 105 Street
Edmonton, Ab, T5J 1E2

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We met up with 20-year-old Mark Grundy, our “Spotlight
Official” for this edition of the Hockey Edmonton Magazine.
Mark started officiating hockey at 13 years of age and is
currently in his eighth season as a minor hockey official.
Mark is a graduate of Archbishop MacDonald High School,
and he’s currently taking Education at the University of
Alberta. Mark plans to be a high school physics teacher
when he finishes up with his studies. In his spare time,
Mark enjoys video games, golf and slo-pitch baseball. Mark
took the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few
questions on how he got involved in officiating and what he
likes most about officiating minor hockey.

HE: How many games do you plan to officiate this season?
MG: As many as I am able.

Hockey Edmonton: How many years did you play hockey

HE: What level of hockey are you currently officiating?
MG: Everything from pee wee up to midget AA and junior C.

before becoming a minor hockey official?

Mark Grundy: I played from initiation through to my second
year of midget (mostly centre), so three years doing both –
playing hockey and being a hockey official.

HE: When did you start officiating hockey?
MG: I started the first year I was eligible, when I was 13.

HE: How many years have you officiated during Minor
Hockey Week?

MG: Every year I’ve officiated, so this season will be my eighth.
HE: What makes you volunteer your time as an official for
Minor Hockey Week?

MG: The games are far more exciting than during the regular
HE: What made you want to become a hockey official?
MG: At first, it was the money! There aren’t very many ways to
make money at 13, and officiating seemed to be a fun way to
do that.

season, the crowd and parents are far more engaged, overtime
is even more tense, and if you get the chance to officiate a final
all of this is heightened.

HE: Any special memories from Minor Hockey Week?
HE: How many games did you officiate last season?
MG: I would estimate 60, maybe 70.

MG: As a player, I’ve had the pleasure of being on winning
teams three times, so each of those tournaments have been
especially memorable.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 47

HE: What do you enjoy most about officiating hockey games?

MG: Much of what we do as officials is subjective, especially

MG: The challenge of it, it’s not an easy job and there’s always

penalty calls, and trying to explain our perspective on a call or
non-call to an emotionally charged individual such as coach or
player can be difficult.

ways you can improve.

HE: What kind of training were/are you provided?
MG: Other than the clinic all officials complete every year, we
are supervised fairly regularly by other officials who work higher
level hockey than us, especially going into A-program hockey.
The talks you have with your supervisor between periods or
after the game is where a large portion of your learning as an
official happens, as only so much can be covered in a clinic.
After that, you just have to focus on whatever pointers they
gave you in future games to try and improve.

HE: Ever suffer any injuries as an official? Any close calls?
MG: No injuries more serious than bruises but more close calls
than I can count! Most are due to pucks in and around the head
area. Just the other day I had a player on a dump in shoot a
puck a couple inches from my face before I could tell him to
look where he was shooting.

HE: How do you handle criticism on the ice?
MG: When I’m criticised I remind myself that hockey is an

HE: Do you have a role model or mentor who has helped you
along the way?

MG: I can’t think of any single person in particular. I’ve drawn
on the knowledge of countless officials in developing what I do
on the ice.

HE: How have you improved your skills as an official?
MG: Usually after I am supervised there will be a couple points
brought up that I can work on or change in my game. I then
focus on those items during my next few games, for example
reminding myself I need to do X before every faceoff, until it
just becomes a habit and is a part of what I do.

HE: What is the toughest part about being a referee?

extremely emotional sport and because of that it is nearly
impossible to leave the rink with everyone involved thinking
you were perfect, even if you believe you called a good game.
Criticism is a part of being a referee, and if I do make a mistake
I tell myself that I’m only human and focus on learning from my
errors, rather than the comments I may hear from the stands
or the benches.

HE: Do you have comments you wish to share with parents,
coaches or anyone watching minor hockey?

MG: I think a lot of people believe referees think of themselves
as infallible, and this simply isn’t true. We know when we’ve
made a mistake, even if we can’t show it. All a referee is trying
to do is facilitate a fair and safe game, if we are given the
chance to focus on that rather than having to ignore or shrug off
comments, we’re probably going to be able to do a better job.

[ Photos by Avonlea Photography ]

48 | Hockey Edmonton Magazine

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Boarding
If a player is checked into the boards in
a violent manner, then the referee may
call a boarding penalty. A two minute
penalty will be given for boarding,
and in situations where the offense
is more serious (when a player is
vulnerable, etc), a five minute major
penalty and game ejection may be called.

Body Checking
Body-checking is not allowed until the
bantam level. Delivering a body-check
in the lower divisions will result in a
two minute penalty being given. The
refereeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signal is an arm across the
chest with a flat hand.

Butt Ending
If a player jabs (or attempts to jab)
another player with the shaft of his
or her stick above the upper hand, a
butt-ending penalty may be called.
The referee holds one forearm over
the other, the upper hand flat and the
lower hand makes a fist.

Charging
If a player takes more than two steps
or strides, or jumps into an opponent
when body-checking, a charging
infraction may be called. The
referee signals this call by rotating
clenched fists around each other in
front of the chest.

Checking From Behind
If a player pushes, body-checks or cross
checks an opponent from behind, a
checking from behind penalty may
be called. It is a game misconduct
(ejection), coupled with a two or
five minute penalty, depending on
the severity of the offense.

Checking To The Head
A minor or major penalty, depending on
the degree of violence of impact and
shall be assessed to any player who
checks an opponent in the head area. A
match penalty could also be assessed
under this rule. If a player is injured, a
major and game misconduct penalty
or match penalty must be assessed.

Cross Checking
When a player uses the shaft of his
stick, held between the hands, to
check an opponent. The referee
signals with a pushing motion
of the arms, fists clenched and
shoulder-width apart.
(This signal imitates the action of a
cross check.)

Elbowing
The referee may call an elbowing
penalty when a player hits or checks
an opponent using his elbow. The
referee signals by grabbing either
elbow with the opposite hand.

High Sticking
This occurs when an an opponent is
checked by another playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stick held
above the normal height of the shoulders.
A more severe penalty may be called
for flagrant high-sticking fouls, including
ejection from the game. The referee signals
this call by clenching their fists and mimicking
a player holding a stick above their shoulders.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine | 49

Holding
This is called when a player grabs
the opponents body or stick and
holds them back from play. The
referee motions this call by grabbing
either wrist with the opposite hand.

Hooking
This penalty is called when a player
slows down an opponent by hooking
his stick on any part of the opponent’s
body or stick. The referee
signals this call with a
pulling motion with both
arms as if holding a stick.

Interference
This penalty is called when a player
impedes the progress of an opponent
who does not have the puck. The
referee signals this call by crossing
his or her arms across the chest.

Kneeing
If a player uses his knee (this includes
sticking his knee out) to take down or
check an opponent, the referee may call
a kneeing penalty. If the infraction is of
a more serious nature, the referee may
consider a major and a game misconduct
instead of a minor penalty. The referee signals
this by bending down and grabbing his knee.

Misconduct
This penalty may be called when a player
demonstrates extreme and inappropriate
behaviour toward another player or
a game official. Depending on the
severity of the offense, the player
may be given a ten minute misconduct
penalty. The penalized team, in this
case, does not play shorthanded,
unless there is contact involved.

50 | Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Roughing
This penalty may be called when
a player uses his arms or fists to
hit another player. The referee’s
signal for this is a clenched fist
extended out to the front or
side of the body.

Slashing
This penalty is called when a player
deliberately hits an opponent with
his stick. The signal for this call is
a flat hand chopping down on the
opposite forearm.

Spearing
Spearing occurs when a player thrusts
or jabs the blade of his stick toward an
opponent. Players are usually ejected
from the game for spearing. The signal
for this call is similar to hooking,
however instead of a pulling motion
with both arms toward the body, it
is an outward jabbing motion.

Tripping
This penalty may be called when a player
uses his or her stick or any body part to
trip the opponent with the puck. However,
if the player touches the puck prior to
contact with the other player, there is usually
no penalty called. The referee signals this call
by bending down and striking their leg with
their hand, below the knee.

Unsportsmanlike
Conduct
This penalty may be called when a
player exhibits poor sportsmanlike
or inappropriate behaviour on the
ice. A “T” is made with the hands to
signal this call.